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Lupus: Healthy Eating

Topic Overview

To date, no diet is known to cure, prevent, or relieve
lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE) symptoms.
But poor nutrition makes it harder for your body to battle chronic
illness. To make sure that you have a healthful, balanced diet, your doctor may oversee your food intake or refer you to a
registered dietitian. Consider the following tips when
you plan your daily diet:

Avoid or cut down on caffeine. Reducing caffeine intake improves
sleep and can diminish the stomach upset caused by some of the drugs prescribed
for lupus care.

Follow a heart-healthy diet. This type
of diet may make you less vulnerable to conditions-especially heart
disease-that are linked with lupus and the steroid treatment of lupus.

If you have kidney disease, follow your doctor's or registered dietitian's advice about protein and salt
intake.

Get your vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet should give
you enough vitamins and minerals. But you may need supplements if your
appetite is poor or to counteract the effects of certain medicines (for
example, extra calcium while taking corticosteroids). Do not take supplements
without your doctor's or dietitian's guidance.

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